Hey all~

It’s here! It's almost time!! I accepted my invitation to the Peace Corps so I'm going to Benin, West Africa (don't feel bad, everyone has to look it up) on September 24. After 3 months of training, I'll begin my two-year service on December 12. So to all the fam- I'm booking your schedules two years in advance Christmas 2005 will be in Katy!

I feel like this summer has been such a defining moment. I watch as everyone gradually finds his or her place in this world: Japan, Katy, all over Texas, LA, the Northeast, Detroit, Australia, France, London, somewhere in or around India, etc. I love watching us all find that next path to choose. Living it each step of the way - with evolving relationships, more of the unknown, sharing successes, and indulging in the joys. It's weird being more aware of how relationships change after going through the distance of moving from friends after high school (and that was only 200 miles!). And now to really be moving from all of you. So when I won't be home for Mary and Roger's wedding, Melanie and Jared's baby, Sarah and Roice's wedding, probably Paul and Kate's baby (wink, wink), countless other monumental events in our lives, I still want to be living it with y'all. It’s hard to tell how much access I'll have to computers and email. I'll most likely be able to check it during in-services or when I travel to main cities. (Anyone know a good email provider to use that'll let me have a lot of storage so my mailbox doesn't get full?) Anyway, writing letters the good old fashion way is the best way to keep in touch. So heres my address:

So for those of you who aren't bored yet, here's a little about what I'll be doing: My program is called small enterprise development where the goal is to make entrepreneurialship possible and encouraged. I'll be working with credit unions to set up loans and financials for farmers and small business owners. I'll be teaching women's organizations and high schoolers about entrepreneurial possibilities to grab a hold of. After training, I'll find out if I'll live in a village or a city which could drastically changes my lifestyle. Of course I'm so excited to try and learn to cook Beninese food (mmm-black caterpillars and rice). I've already got a taste of the music with Angelique Kidjo's CDs (thanks mom!) And I'm excited about what it really comes down to: learning about and getting to know the people, contributing to their lives and being changed forever by theirs.

I already miss everyone. I really was having packing anxiety a couple of days ago because although I'm ready to leave Austin, it's still hard to let go of four wonderful years. Thank you for contributing to that! Everyone make sure to keep living and keep in touch about it!

Always,

Sara Ellyn